Loom beadwork is fast way of getting results particularly for bracelets. Like a lot of hand crafts, the repetitive action loom beading is soothing. The looms though are usually tabletop affairs and hardly the kind of tool to pack when on the move. But a hugely popular and innovative loom changed all that back in 2013. It is so small and portable, you could pop it into your and take it with you on vacation.
I spotted the tool some time ago and bought it because of its great potential for both bead and wire work. The
Jewel Loom is incredibly cost effective. This kit via Amazon includes the loom, needle, threader and pouch costs just $11.50! The flexible design is ingenious. The metal bar is slotted into the 2 holes of the loom. This makes the loom curve more. The warp threads are set up and tied around button like pegs at the back. When the metal bar is removed, the loom straightens and in the process makes the warp threads taut.
The inventor of the Jewel Loom is Julianna Avelar of
Casa De Jewels. I recently received her new book
Jewel Loom Inspirations for review. It is published by
Fons and Porter/F+W. The 17 projects in the book teaches not just how to use the tool but showcases many ideas to try. They are all indeed quick and fun projects for all levels, aged 12+! Some of the projects like the middle picture in the contents use leather cords as the warp "threads".
Many of the bracelet projects showed how larger beads can be used instead of the typical seed beads. The 2-hole tile beads used for the
Checked Cuff below will really speed up the design. I liked how the designer showed alternative ways to easily finish the ends. Ribbon clamps (as below) or box clasps are used. The leather cord designs were finished with button clasps.
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| Checkered Cuffs |
Another great idea in the book is to use the seed bead loom work as the foundation for more elaborate designs like the
Ocean's Desire bracelet below.
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Ocean's Desire
|
There were also excellent ideas for necklaces such as this choker :
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| Victorian Choker |
I would have never considered using the loom for beaded rings until I saw this
Loopy Jewel ring! The loom can be used with beads as small as 15
/0.  |
| Loopy Jewel ring |
Non-beaders will be intrigued to see how the loom can be used to create wire designs. The warp
"threads
" for the
Goddess amulet design are actually strands of craft wire. This makes the design strong so it can serve as a firm foundation for additional embellishments. Clever way of making the warp wire ends look like a fringe!
The Swarovski Crystal brooch project shows how using wire wrap threads can support a number of large beads.
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| Swarovski Crystal brooch |
The Inspiration Gallery section was outstanding. They show the enormous potential of this simple tool. Some of the designs include a fringed lampshade and a beaded embellishment for a jacket. Shown here are two of my favorites.
The book is an excellent companion to the Jewel loom. It covers all the basic instructions need to get started. The easy and quick projects definitely sparks creativity. The potential of the tool is only limited by one's imagination!
Giveaway If you'd like to win a copy of please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
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This giveaway is international. If the winner has a non-post box US address, the prize will be a physical book. Otherwise it will be an eBook. Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.
It ends in a week's time at
6 pm EST Monday, February 15, 2016 . I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Disclosure I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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